'The most difficult thing has been having to contain it for so long'
A decision to save the beloved Oldham Coliseum was made weeks ago. Plans to ditch the construction of a new home for the theatre - and instead use some of the money to save the current building - have only now been announced because of election rules, the town's council boss has said.
Instead, the old venue will be transformed. It is set to reopen by panto season next year. The £10m refurbishment will be paid for with £6m from the Towns Fund - government money for 'levelling up' projects, doled out by the old Conservative administration - and £4m from the town hall's 'Town Centre Regeneration' budget - borrowed cash.
A council spokesperson said: "Plans for the new theatre were well advanced but there was seemingly little support for the new venue among the general public. What makes sense for everyone is a return to a refurbished and improved Fairbottom Street Theatre and for the council to use our investment differently."
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